baytownbud

The 2nd row headrests in the 2011 model are so big and bulky looking. Could they be replaced with headrests from a 2010 model? Those look much better.

Brocktoon

Not sure, but the ones in the older cars are bigger than they look. Are they still a "shingle" style, where they are designed to lower over the seat, but dig into your shoulder blades if you don't raise them when you sit down?

baytownbud

Yes they are still "shingle" style. On the 2011 model they extend even lower on the seat and must be raised higher to avoid them digging into passenger's shoulder blades.

2011 Model


2010 Model

nynd

2011 look ugly - damn!

mdadgar

I think that's probably the point. Not having the headrest at the right height, as most people don't, is a huge risk in an accident. If you make the seat uncomfortable when the headrest is not adjusted properly, guess what it incents people to do?

- Mark

luv2sleep

I'm with you on this one. Our sales guy was boasting about these new headrests. I told him that they looked ugly and that shut him rather quickly. The rear visibility is cut in half when the third row seat headrests are in the raised position. Bad design for sure, unless you have an oversized melon!

TamZ

+1 Pretty much my only complaint on the inside of my car (aside from my wind noise, of course! hehe) are these hideous headrests. Down, I didn't much mind. It wasn't until the first time I drove with the kids in the car, and they slid them up after complaining about them digging into them in the down position, that I realized they pretty much block any view you have out of the back. I have even considered just taking the dang things out, since I haven't been able to train my children to put them down after each use. I've actually pulled over, gotten out and put them down myself when I realize I'm driving around by myself and those huge things are still up! HUGE visibility difference!

Of course, it's not really been a problem, considering my GL seems to spend more time in the shop than me actually driving it

mdadgar

The other thing is that they interfere with booster seats in the down position. I noticed that as I was setting up for the test drive. Leaving my 6 year old behind was not an option, according to him.

Oh, well, I ordered one anyway.

- Mark

luv2sleep

TamZ,
Keep us posted, as I'm sure you will , with the progress of getting your GL replaced. You have way more patience than I do. Wish you success!

Brocktoon

No, I get that and agree it is a good feature.. I was just describing them for the OP.

We drive around with ours raised, but I'm always amazed at how many times I see people in MLs and GLs riding around with those headrests down, and sitting in the seat. ouch!

luv2sleep

The GL350 is my wife's favorite of all the MB's we've owned so far. I like it for it's low end torque and good gas mileage; I'm just not a MB guy though. The GL is probably the best full size luxury family hauler out there with a useful 3rd row seat. We looked hard at the new Infiniti QX56 but it doesn't handle as nice as the GL. Besides, it's experiencing some growing pains. Enjoy your GL!

mdadgar

Heck, if the X5 or Cayenne came with a diesel powertrain, a reasonable 3rd row, and a 7500 lb towing capacity, I would have gone for one of those instead.

But as it is, a Mercedes hardly seems like much of a compromise, especially compared with the Escalade I'm piloting now.

- Mark, very tired of averaging 11.5 mpg

luv2sleep

I would have jumped all over the X5 if it had a useful 3rd row; having 3 children kinda makes it hard to buy cars (going on vacations too).

We went from a '09 GL450 to this '11 GL350 basically because we got sick of going to the gas pumps every couple of days. The 450 averaged 14 mpg, mostly due to my wife playing soccer mom. I liked the power of the V8 but the Bluetec isn't too far behind.

dougpark714

Can the 2nd row headrest be removed to properly seat the child booster seat? That's what we did on our current X5.

mdadgar

Yes.

- Mark

newyorktoLA

Wow, I actually loved the 2011 headrests when I saw them at the L.A. Auto Show. The 2010 headrests are definitely smaller, but I liked the larger design of the 2011. Does anyone know if the 2011's are retrofittable on the 2010? How much would they cost? I might look into trading or getting the new ones if they don't cost much...

nynd

I had an X5 as well with the 3rd row, pretty much loaded with all options. That truck was awesome to drive - more sporty that a GL. The third row is also what did me in, the rear seats were becoming a pain to get in and out of so, switched to the GL.

dougpark714

Has anyone successfully installed 2 car seat and 1 booster on second row? If I can't, plan to install the booster on third row and keep the right second seat empty. But this config drastically reduces trunk space for day to day.

43221B

Yes, you can put all three in the 2nd row but it is really tight. Your kids will kill each other and buckling the booster seatbelt will drive you nuts. Best configuration for me is 1 car seat in the third row, booster in the second row seat that rolls forward, and car seat behind driver's seat. I don't use the booster back so it is easy to move the base to gain access to the third row. In a pinch I will put all three in the second row but usually there is plenty of cargo room with one third row seat down. I can put 4 large (not extra large) suitcases in all standing up with that configuration.